- - Insurance card(s)
- - Referral forms (only some HMO plans)
- - List of all medications that you are currently taking
- - Any required co-payment
A Podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. There are numerous conditions that affect the feet, including, but not limited to:
- - Nail problems
- - Arthritic joints
- - Deformities such as bunions and hammertoes
- - Skin rashes and infections
- - Nerve disorders
- - Circulation problems
- - and many other foot related conditions
Often, the podiatric physician is the first doctor to diagnose and treat these problems. Your medical doctor may refer you to a podiatrist for your foot complaints. The podiatrist may in turn send you to another type of medical specialist depending on the findings of the foot examination.
Most podiatrists, regardless of how seemingly minor your foot complaint is, will perform a full history and lower extremity physical examination. Although patients frequently ask if this examination is necessary for "just a foot problem," a thorough examination ensures that you receive proper care. The foot has often been referred to as a "mirror of the body" because many health problems requiring medical management may first make themselves known by causing symptoms in the foot. Diabetes is very commonly revealed this way. High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, spinal disorders, and many other potentially serious problems may be picked up during a foot examination.
Describing the Problem
The doctor will ask you about your foot problem in detail. You should expect to be asked the following questions:
- When did the problem begin?
- How did it begin?
- Where is the exact location of the pain or discomfort on the foot or ankle?
- What does the pain or discomfort actually feels like?
- Does anything make the problem better or worse?
- Does it change at various times during the day?
Medical and Family History
The podiatrist will also inquire about your medical history, asking about the following:
- > Any problems for which you are currently being treated
- > All the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are presently taking.
- > All of your past surgeries and hospitalizations and any complications that resulted from them.
- > Your history of allergies to medication and/or foods.
- > Blood relatives and any illnesses that run in your family that may have a connection to your foot problem.
You may then be asked questions about various parts of your body such as your head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat, lungs, heart, kidneys, skin and nails, and joints, to make sure you did not inadvertently leave anything out of your medical history. The podiatrist will then inquire about your occupation and other areas of your social history.
At the end of gathering this information about you, the podiatrist may have a very good idea about what it is that is causing your foot complaint.
The Physical Examination
You can expect your skin and nails to be checked for discoloration, hydration, and signs of wounds, infections, or any growths. Dr. Tabari will check your pulse on top of your feet and the inside of your ankle to check that the arteries are providing adequate circulation. The legs are observed for swelling and discoloration which, among other things, may represent disease of the veins that bring blood away from the foot back to your heart. The nerves of your legs and feet will be examined by checking reflexes and how well you feel certain types of sensation applied to areas around your feet. Dr. Tabari may gently squeeze the joints of your foot to see if they are painful, as well as moving them to see if the motion is restricted or painful in any way.
For additional help arriving at an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Tabari may do an X-ray exam of your foot, as well as certain types of scans, including MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. Vascular tests, such as Doppler ultrasound, may be needed. Your podiatrist may also order blood and urine testing. For certain types of skin growths or tumors of the foot, a biopsy may be required. The biopsy can range from a very simple needle aspiration to an open surgical procedure.
Podiatry as a Step to Better Health Management
Your first visit to Dr. Tabari can be a step to better management of your overall health. Feel free to discuss your concerns with your foot doctor. He is dedicated to arriving at an accurate diagnosis and rapid resolution of your problem. He is also able to refer you to any number of appropriate specialists and/or primary care physicians if their input is required in the management of your problem.
Call us at 212-288-3137 to schedule your appointment
